JOHN HEITINGA’S Everton future is in doubt with Wolfsburg ready to make a move for the defender.

Heitinga has fallen out of favour with Goodison manager David Moyes following a succession of indifferent displays this season.

The 26-year-old has started only four games since returning to Merseyside after being sent off for Holland in their World Cup final defeat to Spain in July.

Heitinga has yet to finish a full 90 minutes in the Premier League this season and has played just 10 minutes in Everton’s last three games.

The defender risked the wrath of Moyes days before the World Cup earlier this year by responding favourably to suggestions Manchester City were contemplating a move for him.

However, it was German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg that were keen on signing the Dutchman on transfer deadline day this summer and who are now pondering resurrecting their interest when the window reopens in January.

Steve McClaren, the English coach of Wolfsburg, has been impressed by Heitinga as he looks to strengthen his defensive resources.

Bayern Munich are also believed to be monitoring Heitinga's situation, with Bayern coach Louis van Gaal having worked with the player while at Ajax in 2004.

Should Moyes choose to cash in, he is likely to ask in the region of £10m for a player who cost £6.2m to bring from Atletico Madrid barely 13 months ago.

And while the Everton manager would almost certainly use that money to attract a much-needed striker in the New Year, losing Heitinga would leave Everton short of cover at centre-back with Joseph Yobo on a season-long loan at Fenerbahce.

Meanwhile, Ajax manager Martin Jol claims Everton were tracking defender Jan Vertonghen during the summer – and has risked the wrath of the Goodison faithful by urging the 23-year-old only to leave for a “top European team”.

Jol said: “Everton (were interested) but Jan knows he is better with us.

“We have over 4.5m fans. Jan is clever and would only leave the club if he is completely ready for a top European team.”